Women’s Heart Health

Alpha Phi Foundation cares about improving women’s heart health, and has supported education and research since our dedication to the cause in 1946.

Heart to Heart Grant

Through our annual Heart to Heart Grant, Alpha Phi Foundation helps fund research and educational programs that support the improvement of women’s heart health.

The Heart to Heart Grant awards a $100,000 annually to medical professionals to better understand heart disease in women—specifically its symptoms, treatment, and prevention. Alpha Phi Foundation is committed to raising awareness and contributing to the research of women’s heart health, made possible through the passion and generosity of our donors.

Collegiate chapters, alumnae chapters and individual members can nominate a local heart project for the Heart to Heart Grant. Self-nominations are also accepted. The recipient is selected by a team of medical professionals and the Foundation Board of Directors.

FAQs

Does the Heart to Heart funding mechanism support institutional overhead (indirect costs) or is the $100,000 used just for direct costs only?

The $100,000 Heart to Heart Grants seeks to cover all or a large portion of the direct costs of a project. Funds are not provided/available for indirect costs, general operating support, and/or capital costs (such as construction, acquisition, or renovation of facilities). Funds are available for equipment expenses which are integral to the project, justified in the budget narrative, and do not exceed 5% of the total amount requested. Personnel costs related to the project are considered direct costs of a project.

How do you define “equipment” given that it cannot exceed 5% of the budget?

We define “equipment” as larger capital purchases such as computers, copiers, software, etc. and would expect this category to not exceed 5% of the budget. Other expenses tied directly to the execution of your project are not considered “equipment” expenses.

Is there a maximum duration for the performance period for the grant?

Alpha Phi Foundation is willing to review grants that span anywhere between 12 and 24 months.

Is there a word limit on any part of the application?

There is no word limit to any section of the application.

Please define “dissemination plan.”

Alpha Phi Foundation defines dissemination plan as the creation of a solid plan for efficient knowledge circulation among professionals and the general public.

Since the budget is asked for in a narrative format, how much detail should we provide?

Alpha Phi Foundation is not looking for an exhaustive list of budget items, but rather a well-rounded picture of the major budget categories that are required for your project, which ideally add up to $100,000.

What is an “official letter of transmittal” and what are the required elements that need to be included in such a letter?

An official letter of transmittal is an organizational endorsement of your project by the CEO or President of your organization basically affirming that he or she is aware of your proposal and that it does align with the goals and ideals of your organization.

Who are the Medical Readers who peer-review the applications in addition to your Board of Directors?

Alpha Phi Foundation’s Medical Readers are Alpha Phi alumnae with medical backgrounds spanning both research and clinical work. Our Medical Readers review and evaluate all applications. Their evaluations help us determine those top candidates who will then be asked to complete a phone interview with members of Alpha Phi Foundation’s Board and Staff. A thorough review of the top candidates’ applications, as well as notes from their phone interviews, are then reviewed by the Board of Directors for final determination of the grant recipient.

“As an African-American woman, I’ve always known I’m more likely to develop heart disease. Knowing that I and all of the incredible women in my family are more at risk has pushed me to give all that I can to this Foundation that is changing women’s lives every day.”

“I really thank the Alpha Phi sisters that I’ve met in my life for inspiring me. From the young women who have come and supported the grant and have been excited to learn about heart disease, to the alumnae and Board members who have been so supportive. It’s inspiring to me to see these women not only still involved, but also excited and motivated by Alpha Phi and all it offers throughout your lifetime.“Dr. Kimberly Skelding(Zeta Sigma-Franklin & Marshall)